Driverless robotaxi test rides begin in Zagreb
Croatian startup Verne, backed by Rimac, has begun test passenger trips in fully driverless robotaxis on public roads in Zagreb, Croatia. The rides are available through the Uber app and are operated jointly with Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai, InsideEVs reports.
22-kilometer route
The test rides cover a 22-kilometer route between Verne's headquarters, the business district in central Zagreb, and the city's airport. According to InsideEVs, these are Europe's first passenger trips on public roads conducted without a driver or operator inside the vehicle.
Pony.ai's software performs active vehicle control functions, including turning, braking, and accelerating. Verne remotely monitors the vehicle's operation. Pony.ai already operates a robotaxi service in four cities in China and plans to expand its activities in Europe.
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No operator in the cabin
In April, Verne and Pony.ai launched a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, but at that time an operator was present in the vehicles and could intervene if necessary. The current stage involves rides without a person in the cabin who could take control.
The service uses the Chinese electric crossover Arcfox Alpha T5. The company removed the front passenger seat to free up space for luggage and installed a large screen for rear-seat passengers. It displays route information; passengers can also watch videos or play games.
Special model still under development
Verne previously unveiled a concept for a specially designed robotaxi with sliding doors, a panoramic roof, and a large screen in the cabin. According to the company, this model is still under development.
